In what is being described as a symbolic convergence of Nigeria’s past and future political ambitions, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a high-profile visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence over the weekend. The visit, which comes amid rising political tensions and alignment talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, has set tongues wagging across the nation.
Atiku was flanked by an array of prominent political figures, including former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), all key stalwarts of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their presence signaled more than a courtesy call—it was a calculated political statement in the heartland of Northern politics.
Kaduna, long considered a bellwether for national power play, appears to be taking center stage once again. With no official communique released from the closed-door meeting, speculation is rife that Atiku is building momentum toward forming a mega opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The visit came on the heels of a similar gathering earlier in the week, when governors under the APC’s Progressives Governors’ Forum also stormed Buhari’s Kaduna home. Led by Imo State Governor and Forum Chairman Hope Uzodinma, the APC delegation touted the party’s unrivaled national strength, boasting the highest number of serving governors.
Buhari, who earlier this year reaffirmed his unwavering allegiance to the APC, used the opportunity to reinforce the party’s political grip, possibly to downplay the ripple effects of El-Rufai’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Now, with the presence of both ruling and opposition forces converging on Buhari’s turf within days of each other, Kaduna has become the eye of Nigeria’s political storm. Social media is abuzz with theories, some calling it a “coded battle for Buhari’s blessing,” others interpreting it as the opening gambit in the fight to reclaim Aso Rock.
What remains clear is that the 2027 race has unofficially begun, and Kaduna is setting the tone.
